MID-AMERICA SCIENCE MUSEUM

Description

Mid-America Science Museum was conceptualized as the first interactive, informal learning environment in Arkansas when the Arkansas General Assembly passed Act 515 establishing the Arkansas Museum and Cultural Commission in 1971. Composed of seven gubernatorial appointees from state congressional districts, the State Commission was responsible for planning, developing, constructing, and operating the Mid-America Science Museum in Garland County.

The Museum opened to the public on January 20, 1979. Sunday, April 22, 1979, was proclaimed "Mid America Day" by the mayor of Hot Springs as the Museum was dedicated by then Governor Bill Clinton in a Grand Opening Ceremony.

In 2016, Mid-America Science Museum was particularly recognized by the Institute for Museum and Library Services with the National Medal for Community Service. Awarded to only 10 museum each year, the National Medal honors excellence in engaging the community in mission service. The award was presented to the Museum in a ceremony in the White House in Washington, D.C.

Over 40 years, the Museum has served over 3,500,000 visitors from around the country. Since the 2015 renovation, over 550,000 visitors have come to the Museum and over 15,000 students visit for educational programming. The Museum enjoys visitors from around the country and contributes to the local tourism economy. Conservative estimates demonstrate that the Museum has an annual economic impact of $4,900,000 in the city of Hot Springs.